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Sunday, May 17, 2015

Life :: How to Create a Fun Workplace (Guest Post)

If you want to get the most from your workers, you need to treat them well. In today’s world, that means doing a lot more than offering fair pay, a 401k, a dental plan and free tea and coffee. More and more, businesses are realising that a fun workplace is a productive one. When workers are happy, they are more likely to commit to their roles and act as positive brand ambassadors for your business. In real terms, this means better customer service, reduced absenteeism and workers that go beyond the call of duty more often, ‘like’ the company on social media and refer friends when vacancies arise.

So, with all these benefits ringing in your ears, let’s take a look at a few simple ways you can make your workplace more enjoyable:

PROVIDE EXCITING LEISURE SPACE

The days of water cooler catch-ups and dreary staff canteens are over. If you want your workers to be motivated, engaged and bonded, you need to provide comfortable, inspiring spaces for them to recharge and socialise. Choose stimulating colours like reds, yellows and oranges to perk your staff up and encourage social engagement. Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your furniture choices either.

For breakout furniture that’s functional, comfortable and designed with communication and relaxation in mind, see office furniture specialists like www.calibre-furniture.co.uk for ideas. Encourage camaraderie and friendly competition by adding activities like board games, computer games and foosball tables. For more breakroom activity inspiration, look to innovative companies like Google and YouTube.

SET UP A SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Whether it’s by setting up a company volleyball league, taking part in a challenge for a good cause or simply organising a night out, a social committee can make a massive difference to the morale and camaraderie levels in your business. Encourage everyone to get involved in coming up with exciting new activity ideas and entrust a team of creative, organised and fun-loving individuals to turn the best ideas into reality. By allowing your staff to take charge of coordination, you can say goodbye to no-shows, flakers, and stuffy office cocktail parties and say hello to a more engaged, loyal and friendly workforce.

CASUAL FRIDAYS

If you work in an industry that requires you to wear professional business attire, why not shake things up by allowing your staff to dress down every Friday? Relaxing the dress code on one day a week can send a powerful signal to workers that you recognise and reward hard work and want them to be able to be themselves at work. You’d be amazed by how much a free perk like this can improve the atmosphere without impeding productivity.

LISTEN TO STAFF

However you decide to make your workplace more fun, it’s a good idea to consult your employees before you introduce new policies. Workers are likely to respond more positively if you’ve taken their ideas and opinions on board, so why not set up a suggestion box to give them the chance to voice their opinions? While you do run the risk of getting a lot of far-fetched and unfeasible ideas, one or two gems might make their way to your desk, resulting in a happier, more effective workforce.

This post is for the badass bosses who don't work from home (yet). It was created in partnership with Calibre and I have been compensated in exchange. The opinions expressed are that of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect my own. If you're interested in collaborating too, I'd love to hear from you!

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As a business motivation coach, my goal is to teach women wantrepreneurs how to eliminate their excuses and bust through mental blocks so that they can make a positive impact online through service-based professions.